With tears sometimes welling in his eyes, Daniel Jones disagreed on Thursday with the New York Giants’ determination to bench him earlier this week and maybe finish his five-plus tenure because the workforce’s quarterback.
The 27-year-old Jones stated he gave the workforce every thing he had after being taken sixth general within the 2019 draft and he believes he nonetheless has a future within the NFL. He held himself accountable for the Giants making the playoffs as soon as in his tenure because the starter.
The Duke product took over early in his rookie season when then-coach Pat Shurmur benched two-time Tremendous Bowl MVP Eli Manning, who was close to the tip of his profession. He would go on to start out 71 video games over the following 5 and a half seasons, together with two playoff video games within the 2022 postseason.
Coach Brian Daboll benched Jones on Monday after the Giants (2-8) returned to observe following a bye week and 20-17 time beyond regulation loss to Carolina in Germany.
Tommy DeVito will begin Sunday in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Daboll hoping he can spark the workforce.
“Definitely not happy about it,” said Jones, who read a 90-second statement before taking questions from reporters. “Yeah, not what you want to hear. So, yeah, all those emotions you have. But at the end of the day, this is football. We’re in a business where your expected to get results and we weren’t doing it.”
Sporting his no-contact crimson jersey with a light No. 8, Jones didn’t take a snap at quarterback throughout Thursday’s observe. As an alternative, he lined up as a scout workforce security.
Jones indicated the Giants supplied him the chance to stroll away from the workforce with seven video games left within the season. He stated he’s contemplating it, however he additionally wished to remain and assist DeVito prepare this week.
It’s unlikely the Giants are going to let him play once more. He has two years left on a four-year, $160 million contract. Subsequent season features a $23 million assure that may kick in if he’s damage and isn’t prepared to start out the 2025 season.
Since being benched, Jones is barely getting any snaps, with most of them being taken by DeVito and backup Drew Lock.
“I bought the damage assure,” Jones stated of his lack of labor.
Requested if he would have waived the assure, Jones stated common supervisor Joe Schoen and his agent, Brian Murphy, mentioned the problem however that was it.
Jones spoke for nearly 11 minutes. He bought emotional when informed receiver Darius Slayton and defensive deal with Dexter Lawrence each referred to him as nonetheless one of the best quarterback on the workforce. All three have been drafted in 2019.
Jones known as the Giants a first-class group, cherished the relationships he has and thanked his teammates, coaches and employees.
“There have been some great times. But of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones stated. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me. I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation.”
Jones known as the 2024 season disappointing and took accountability.
“The idea to change something happens, and I understand. I love the game,” Jones stated. “I love being part of a team. I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know that there’s a lot of good football in front of me.”